It is a common tactic for accusers to order what
is called a Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) test to look for a component of
Ipecac...emetine. Then using those test results they file abuse charges.
The problem with this is that emetine looks identical to several other
medications such as pseudoephedrine...a common decongestant. To differentiate
between ipecac and other medications, one must order a High Pressure Liquid
Chromatography. This is rarely done and parents don't realized they are being
railroaded.

One such case, a physician actually prescribed
pseudoephedrine and then ordered a TLC. Upon deposition, the physician
admitted that he had known that the decongestant would cause the test to be
positive for ipecac. Yet, the civil suit was thrown out due to good-faith
immunity because the physician claimed that he only did this to protect the
child, because of his belief that mom was doing something.